Gabriela Arriola
Gabriela Arriola, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist/Psychoanalyst
She/Her
Specialties: Couples, families, children, teens, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, divorce, blended families, parenting, grief and loss, self esteem.
Clients like: I’m a deep thinker who brings extensive training and life experience to my work, giving me the confidence to walk with them into deep healing.
Modalities: Emotion Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT) Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Gestalt Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy.
Availability: Ajax in person, virtual.
Schedule: Days and evenings.
Languages spoken: English, Spanish
More About Me
I began my practice as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Psychologist in hospital and school settings in Uruguay. Here in Canada, I graduated as a Clinical Social Worker and have accumulated 15+ years of experience in counselling and psychotherapy, working with individuals, couples, and groups in both English and Spanish. I am deeply passionate about my work, which brings immense meaning to my life. I feel honoured to listen to people’s stories when they choose to share them with me. I am continually humbled by the resilience in the stories of suffering, survival, transition, healing from trauma, and overcoming oppression that are shared by those seeking my support.
Over the years, I have supported clients from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, helping them navigate issues such as divorce, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, family conflict, abuse, and parenting challenges. My practice is grounded in empathy, respect, and a deep appreciation for the resilience and strength that people show in the face of life’s challenges.
In addition to my general clinical work, I have developed a strong passion for working with couples/ relationships. I understand the unique emotional and psychological demands of sustaining a healthy relationship. My approach integrates attachment theories, psychodynamic and trauma-informed, strengths-based, and solution-focused techniques to help couples process difficult experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.
I believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood and supported as they work toward healing, growth, and meaningful change. I am honoured by the trust clients place in me when sharing their stories of survival, transition, and recovery, and I am continually inspired by their courage and commitment to personal well-being.
Education & Certifications
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Master of Social Work, York University, 2015
Bachelor of Social Work, York University, 2007
Licentiate in Psychology, University of Montevideo-Uruguay , 1997
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Couple Therapy, Ulloa Institute, 2025
Psychopathology of the Narcissism, Ulloa Institute 2024
Advanced Psychoanalytic Training, Toronto Psychoanalytic Institute, 2020-2024
Internal Family System, Frank Anderson Leading Edge
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certificate Program, Niagara Stress and Trauma Clinic
Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy
Bereaved Children and Children of Divorce
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Narrative Therapy, Year-long Externship, University of Toronto
Narrative Therapy with Couples, Hinks Dellcrest Institute
Gestalt Psychotherapy, Uruguay Gestalt Institute
Lacanian Psychoanalysis Psychotherapy, Uruguay Psychoanalytical Institute
